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Tomorrow we will celebrate 240 years of American independence. Join me in saying a prayer for our nation, our freedom and for those at home and abroad fighting to protect both. I hope you and your family have a safe and happy Independence Day!
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The final report from the House Select Committee on Benghazi was released this week. The Select Committee was created to find the truth about the terror attacks which occurred on September 11, 2012, when Islamic militants stormed American compounds in Benghazi, Libya, leaving four Americans dead. The Committee was charged with providing answers to the families of these brave Americans and to the American people.
The report is the result of 25 months, more than 100 witness interviews, and 75,000 new pages of documents. In addition to making key recommendations to provide safety and security for those serving our country, the report also uncovered a significant amount of new information about what actually happened before, during, and after the terrorist attacks - not just what we were told by the media and the Obama Administration. The Committee reported that senior members of the Administration, including then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, twisted facts to further an illusion that the threat of terrorism was fading, just weeks before President Obama's re-election.
Additionally, the report says the military did not act to rescue the Americans under attack by terrorists for 13 hours despite receiving orders to do everything possible to save them. The State Department relied on militias in the unstable region to protect the Americans, as it was more important for this administration to keep up the appearance of no boots on the ground. These militias were clearly not able to protect the Americans. Even more shocking, due to blatant failures by leaders in Washington, not a single military asset had moved toward Libya at the time the last two Americans were killed.
I suggest you take a few moments to watch this video, explaining the events of the terror attack and the Administration's shocking failure to respond.
As my colleague, Congressman Trey Gowdy (R-SC), a member of the Select Committee said, "Chris Stevens, Sean Smith, Glen Doherty and Tyrone Woods were heroes who gave their lives in service to our country. Their bravery and the courageous actions of so many others on the ground that night should be honored. One way we can honor their service and sacrifice is to make sure we know the truth for the families and their friends." You can read more information and the full report here.
The Benghazi Report provides eye-opening evidence confirming that leaders in the Obama Administration failed Americans on the ground when they needed them the most. Four Americans lost their lives that night due to incompetency, yet there has still been no one held accountable. |
| From our nation's Capitol LXXII |
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Monday, June 27, 2016: Amy and I enjoyed stopping by the City of Bloomingdale’s Patriotic Celebration this weekend. The hot weather did not deter the family entertainment and live music of this annual event to honor America, veterans and active duty military. I also had the honor this weekend of speaking at the Georgia Municipal Association’s Federal Policy Council meeting held in Savannah. As a former Mayor and member of this state association, I appreciate the work they do on behalf of their members. I have always said that you can't get any closer to the people than serving as a Mayor or on a City Council. Today my day starts early as I’m on St. Simons Island to speak to the Georgia Rural Letter Carriers at their state convention. One of the committees that I serve on in the House, the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, has authority over the U.S. Postal Service and I use this opportunity to bring them up to date on the postal reform legislation that we are currently considering. Next, I head to my Brunswick office where I meet with Robert Payne and Timmy Lee from Camden County concerning a project they are working on that will make our highways safer. Afterwards, I head to the weekly meeting of the Brunswick Kiwanis Club where I speak briefly to them before I have a meeting with other Brunswick area civic and business leaders to bring them up to date on Washington and to hear their concerns.
Congressman Carter at the Korean War Medal Presentation |
Later, I head to Camden County for a helicopter tour of the Spaceport project in the area that is being proposed for commercial space operations in an attempt to bring high-value tech and space companies to the coast of Georgia. The site’s location is strategic in that it launches over the Atlantic at a northeastern trajectory and the economic benefit that could potentially be derived from the project would be enormous. Afterwards, I meet with the local press to discuss my experience. A link to one of the newspaper articles describing my visit can be found here. Finally, to cap off a great day in Glynn and Camden counties, I speak at the Korean War Medal Presentation at the Brunswick American Legion Post #9 meeting. Two of our nation’s heroes, Herbert A. Rogers (Army) and Leon D. Leggett (Navy), who fought during the Korean War are awarded the South Korea’s Ambassador of Peace medal, making them only the 3rd and 4th members of the American Legion post to receive the award.
Tuesday, June 28, 2016: I start today in Savannah with a meeting with Tony Reardon, Gayle Humphries and staff members of Low Country Machinery, a JCB dealership and member of the Associated Equipment Distributors (AED), to learn the issues and impediments that they are facing in the construction business. Next, I head to our Savannah office where I meet with Rabbi Robert Haaf to discuss issues involving Israel and with representatives from the Health Care Leadership Council to discuss health care issues. Later, I head to the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport where I meet the local media and discuss a number of issues including the recent Supreme Court decision about the Texas abortion laws, before jumping on a plane and heading to Chicago. I’m in Chicago for the annual McKesson ideaShare conference where I will be the keynote speaker tomorrow to bring them up to date on federal issues. Once I arrive this afternoon, I have the opportunity to meet with representatives from the American Pharmacy Cooperative, Inc. (APCI), as well as representatives from McKesson.
Wednesday, June 29, 2016: The weather in Chicago is delightful with clear skies and highs in the mid- 70’s, much different from what I left in South Georgia and from my last trip to Chicago during the winter when all I could see was snow. I am honored to be the keynote speaker at the public policy forum for McKesson’s ideaShare program this morning where, as the only pharmacist currently serving in Congress, I bring them up to date on issues relating to our profession.
Congressman Carter Speaking at the McKesson ideaShare Forum |
McKesson distributes pharmaceuticals at a retail sale level and provides health information technology, medical supplies and care management tools to pharmacies throughout the world. After my speech, I conduct interviews with healthcare media who are covering the convention before joining McKesson representatives for a walk through of their mammoth trade show displaying the latest products and programs offered in the industry. While visiting one of America’s greatest cities, I have the chance to stop and eat some world famous Chicago deep dish pizza and it is scrumptious. Before leaving, I also have the opportunity to tour O’Hare Airport as I am given an overview of TSA operations at one of America’s busiest airports, including passenger and baggage screening operations. As a member of the Committee on Homeland Security and its Transportation Security Subcommittee, this is a great opportunity for me to see firsthand the challenges facing this important operation. I also have the opportunity to visit the United Airlines Station Operation Center to witness the impressive behind the scenes operation that makes their broader operation such a success.
Thursday, June 30, 2016: It’s good to be back home today and I begin with a Republican Conference call where leadership discusses this week’s actions (or lack of) by the Senate and our plans for the next two weeks leading up to our convention in Cleveland. After a short meeting with Charles Ezelle of Thomas and Hutton who is representing the American Council of Engineering Companies, I head to Rincon where I speak to the Effingham County Rotary Club at their weekly meeting. Although I was born and raised in West Chatham County, I can’t help but feel like I’m at home when I visit Effingham County as my grandparents lived in Rincon and I spent a lot of time here when I was growing up.
Congressman Carter at New Hampstead High School |
Afterwards, I head to New Hampstead High School in West Chatham County where SPED Paraprofessional Eric Sibert leads me on a tour of the school and gives me an overview of the athletics program. Next, I head to our Savannah office where I meet with my fellow Young Harris College alumnus Phil Hope before heading to the retirement reception of Georgia Ports Authority CEO Curtis Foltz. Curtis has done an outstanding job leading our ports over the past twelve years and will be sorely missed. |
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